Taiwan
Taiwan means everything to me.
Not just because of my Taiwanese roots, but because I once lived in Kaohsiung for two years to study Chinese — and my family still has deep ties to Taipei.
Even though Taiwan is a small island, it offers a huge variety of experiences. One day you could be devouring mouthwatering street food at a night market, and the next, hiking misty mountain trails or discovering Japanese-era architecture in a quiet town.
Museums, art, temples, tea houses, cities on the west coast, peaceful mountains, and stunning seas on the east — it’s all here.
Taiwan blends rich cultural history with the ease of modern travel. It’s one of the few places where you can hop on a high-speed train, explore coastal villages, and still be back in the city by dinnertime.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll show you what makes Taiwan so special — from city-by-city breakdowns to transportation tips, itinerary ideas, and personal recommendations from my own travels as a Taiwanese-American. Whether you’re planning your very first trip or coming back for more, you’ll find everything you need to explore Taiwan deeply and meaningfully.
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City guides
Hover a dot to explore
Weather in Taiwan 台灣天氣
Know before you go 出發前須知
Time zone
UTC +8
No daylight saving, so the time never changes.
Language
Mandarin
The official language, plus Taiwanese (台語), Hakka (客家話), and Japanese among older generations. English is common in cities, rarer in rural areas.
Currency
NT Dollar
New Taiwan Dollar (NT / NTD / TWD), and prices include all taxes. You can bring up to NTD 100,000 (~USD 3,000) in cash without declaring it. Learn more
Tipping
Not expected
Fine dining may add a 10–15% service charge. Hotel cleaners love a little extra.
Driving
Drive on the right
Bring your passport, home license, and an International Driving Permit. US travelers can get one through AAA.
Plan your trip 計劃你的旅程
Safety
Very safe, even solo
Just keep an eye on your things like you would anywhere else.
SIM cards + WiFi
Getting connected is easy
- eSIM: grab one through Airalo before you fly. It works the moment you land.
- Physical SIM: Chunghwa, Taiwan Mobile, or FarEasTone counters at Taoyuan Airport (TPE).
- Free WiFi: cafés, malls, MRT stations, and convenience stores.
- Your plan: check roaming first. AT&T charges $12/day.
Plugs
Type A + B · 110V
Same as the US, so leave the adapter at home.
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